Danny McGrain, 76, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, his family has confirmed, explaining why one of Celtic’s greatest-ever players has become less visible around Parkhead in recent times.
Danny McGrain, the man Celtic themselves describe as Scotland’s greatest-ever full-back, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The news was confirmed by his family and shared through the club, according to BBC Sport.
McGrain’s wife, Laraine, explained that the diagnosis was received some time ago, and that the family felt the time had come to be open and clear about it. She said Danny has always loved helping supporters – through hospital visits, charity events and messages of support – but that this has become increasingly difficult for him as time has gone on. Laraine and their daughters, Vicki, Dawn and Carly, wanted to explain his situation with honesty, and with the same care and respect the Celtic family has always shown them.
Celtic say McGrain remains in good spirits despite the changes the diagnosis has brought. He is enjoying time with his loved ones, still following the game, and staying close to the club he holds so dear. That last part will land hardest with anyone who has watched him around Celtic Park down the years – a man who never stopped giving of himself long after he’d hung up his boots.
A Career That Defined an Era
McGrain came through Celtic’s youth ranks and went on to spend 17 years in the first team, making 663 appearances between 1970 and 1987. In that time he won seven League Championships, five Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups – a trophy haul that tells you everything about the standards he operated at. He also won 62 caps for Scotland, captaining a nation as well as a club.
Celtic point out that he was widely considered by football experts, journalists and peers to be the finest right-back in world football during the 1970s, and it’s hard to argue with that assessment even now. After Celtic, he had a season at Hamilton Academical, helping them win promotion to the top flight before he retired as a player, and later managed Arbroath for two seasons.
Standing Close to the Club He Loves
What comes through clearly in this disclosure is the family’s intent: they wanted Danny to keep receiving the love and support of the Celtic family, just as he gave it so freely and humbly to others throughout his life. That’s the spirit in which this news should be received.
Mon The Hoops. Get well, Danny.
